Hammers back Football v Homophobia

West Ham United continued their commitment to promote tolerance and inclusion in 2014, as the Club once more lent its support to an international campaign to combat homophobia.

As one of the very first professional Clubs to do so in 2012, the Hammers are proud to offer their backing to Football v Homophobia (FvH) for a third successive season, kick-starting February's international show of support.

The Hammers warmed-up in campaign t-shirts prior to the Barclays Premier League meeting with Swansea City and skipper Kevin Nolan is pleased that he and the squad are playing their part.

"For us as players and role models, we all recognise the importance of the Football v Homophobia campaign" said Nolan.

"We're passionate about supporting this and we hope that it sends out a message that there is no place for discrimination in football, nor in any sport.

"If someone came to me and told me, or any of the lads for that matter, that they were gay, it wouldn't change our view of them one iota. That's absolutely the way it should be and so it's a vital message to promote."

Football v Homophobia aims to unite the footballing world, from the grassroots to the elite, in opposing homophobia and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in football.

The campaign is endorsed and supported by The FA, Premier League, Football League, Professional Footballers' Association, League Managers' Association and Kick It Out.

As well as empowering people to take action against prejudice, FvH also aims to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game. This culminates each year in February's month of action, to raise awareness of the issue and to showcase new and existing work.

The Hammers, as ever, are proud to pledge their support for this initiative and are committed to creating safe and inclusive football environments for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Club is determined to tackle prejudice in whatever form it takes and will be promoting events and campaigns that highlight and combat prejudice towards disability, race, sex, sexual orientation and religion throughout the year.